UTCs are a new type of school for pupils aged 14 to 19. They are led by a university and promote both academic and more practical learning. Daventry UTC has a specialism in engineering, construction and environmental sustainability. At the moment there are 97 students, but it will eventually take 600.

The college building was delayed, meaning students spent their first term learning at the University of Northampton.

Mr Edmondson said: “The delay wasn’t a setback and we had excellent facilities at the university. But for me it was more important to get the building finished to the right standard rather than rush to get it open in September.

“We’ve still got a few things left to do. The landscaping is the main one, but we can’t plant or turf anything until March.”